Two flu deaths reported in Ottawa County

Two flu-related deaths have been reported in Ottawa County, health officials reported Monday, Feb. 10.

The county has confirmed 14 influenza cases this season, including six in January. The number is much lower than the 37 cases confirmed by this time last year, the health department reports.

The county learned of the two flu-related deaths through the Michigan Department of Community Health, said Kristina Wieghmink, spokesperson for the Ottawa County Health Department. The age, date of death and flu strain is unknown, she said.

The county received reports for 1,010 cases of influenza-like illness Jan. 1-28. The reports come from schools and generally are from parent-reported absences for students.

The number is fewer than in the previous few months - by a half to one-third. Wieghmink said that may be partly due to six snow days in January.

The Kent County Health Department has reported four flu-related deaths this season.